One thing I often see on facebook groups is 'can I continue to wear my child whilst pregnant?' The answer is generally yes, assuming that you are having a straight-forward and healthy pregnancy.
For many babywearing offers not only a convenient form of transport, but also becomes a comfort for both you and your child. It is, therefore unsurprising that many of us wish to continuing carrying our children throughout our pregnancy. This post will look at the benefits of babywearing while pregnant, safety tips, and how to choose the right carrier.
This guide can be read in its entirety, or you can click on any of the headings below to go straight to that section:
Understanding Babywearing During Pregnancy
Babywearing is the practice of carrying your child in a sling, wrap, or carrier, letting you move freely while keeping your little one close. For many mums, this continues to be an enjoyable way to connect, even as their bodies change throughout pregnancy. However, it is vital that you listen to your body. Your comfort level should guide your decision, so pay close attention to how your body feels. Many women find that babywearing not only supports their current child emotionally but also helps manage the physical demands of pregnancy.
Benefits of Babywearing While Pregnant
There are significant benefits to babywearing during pregnancy.
Enhancing the bond with your older child is perhaps the most profound benefit. As your family expands, feelings of jealousy or confusion can arise. Holding your little one close helps reassure them that they are still loved and valued.
Moreover, babywearing allows you to maintain your routine. Activities like park visits or playdates do not need to be complicated. You can maintain an active lifestyle whist still engaging with your older child, making life more manageable.
Safety Considerations
While babywearing can be safe during pregnancy, it is essential to keep some safety tips in mind:
First, be aware of your balance. As your pregnancy advances, your center of gravity shifts. Choose a carrier that evenly distributes weight and provides support. Many carriers can be used during pregnancy with a few adjustments. See the gallery for a selection of the range I have available in the library.
Furthermore, the position of your baby matters. Opt for a carrier that allows for an upright position to keep pressure off your abdomen. Ensuring that your child is securely positioned can minimize strain and keep both of you comfortable.
Considerations for Different Stages of Pregnancy
Your babywearing approach may change with each trimester. Here is how you can adapt:
First Trimester: Early on, you may find babywearing easier since your belly is small. Many women find at this stage they do not need to adapt their babywearing styles.
Second Trimester: This is often the period of time during which many women begin to feel uncomfortable as their bumps begin to grow and waistbands begin to feel tight or uncomfortable in their usual position. It is often at this stage that many ladies stop wearing their child. However, adjusting how you use your carrier, or changing carrier can extend your babywearing journey. If you are unsure do contact your local sling library for advice.
Third Trimester: You might feel more fatigued in this stage. Choose lightweight carriers, and limit how long you wear your child. Always listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Choosing the Right Carrier
Selecting the right carrier is crucial for a positive babywearing experience. Your carrier should offer you and your child comfort and support: Look for ergonomic designs that are supportive and distribute weight evenly. For example, a well-designed soft-structured carrier with padded shoulder straps can go a long way in providing needed support.
There is no one size fits all carrier or sling, and what works for one person, may not be the best for you. However, here are some options that you could consider:
A buckle carrier - in this image the Hanababy Expand available here is being used. A buckle carrier offers an easy option for those who already own one and are comfortable and confident using it.
Some adjustments tend to be needed to enable a safe and comfortable wearing experience. Waistbands should be placed above or below the bump depending on the size of the child and whether the carrier is being worn on the front, or the back. Whilst it should be snug, it should not be tight and should not be putting pressure on your bump. Many women find that a full buckle carrier becomes uncomfortable as their bump grows. However, some carriers (such as apron-style carriers) have less structured waistbands and these can be more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses. For example the Kahubaby carrier available here. You can read more about buckle carriers here.
A Half-buckle Carrier:
A half-buckle is a nice intermediary for those who like the ease of buckles, but prefer the comfort of a less structured carrier.
The market offers a wide variety of options. Some have padded wrap to straps as shown in the image, while others have full wrap straps, such as the Didyklick. Furthermore, waistbands differ in their level of structure, with some being more rigid and others less so, highlighting the need for careful research. However, on the whole, waistbands tend to be less structured than those on some full buckle carriers. Finally, one key advantage of a half-buckle carrier is that it is made from woven wrap fabrics, enabling it to mold perfectly to your body, providing a very comfortable experience.
A meh dai:
A meh dai carrier resembles a half-buckle carrier, but it features ties instead of a buckle waistband, offering a gentle and comfortable choice for use during pregnancy. It can be tied in multiple ways. Please refer to the gallery images for this carrier.
A ring sling:
A ring sling is a good option for a hip carry whilst keeping mum's hands free, or allowing for front snuggles. It can be used for a quick up, or for a toddler who cannot decide whether they would prefer to be carried or walk. They do put the majority of the weight on one side of the body, so may not be suitable for those who are struggling with back or hip pains.
A woven wrap:
A woven wrap is likely the most adaptable choice for carrying during pregnancy, as it can be effortlessly adjusted for the wearer's comfort.
A woven wrap can be tied in numerous ways, giving you the choice to use a waistband or not, based on your preferences. Additionally, being made of woven fabric, they conform perfectly to you and your child, providing support that a buckled carrier might not offer.
When using a woven wrap during pregnancy, be cautious not to depend on it for bump support. As with any carrier, pay attention to your body and make sure the wrap isn't exerting pressure on your abdomen. However, carries with waistbands can have the waistband extended to provide hip support, which can be quite relieving for some women. For more information on woven wraps, please check out this blog post.
An Onbuhimo:
An onbuhimo is a traditional Japanese-style carrier intended for use on the back. It lacks a waistband, making it ideal for pregnancy as it avoids putting pressure on your abdominal area. Most models also feature a chest strap to keep the straps from slipping off your shoulders. Additionally, they are easier to use than a woven wrap, yet offer a comfortable option during pregnancy. Please refer to the gallery of images of the onbuhimo.
Embracing Your Journey
In summary, babywearing while pregnant can be both a practical and fulfilling choice. By choosing the right carrier and following safety tips, you can continue to nurture your bond with your older child while navigating the wonderful yet challenging experience of pregnancy. Always listen to your body, and ensure that you are following any medical advice you have been given. Local sling libraries will also be able to offer you advice and support for babywearing during pregnancy.
Every family's journey is different, so trust your instincts. Enjoy these precious moments as you prepare for your growing family!
Gallery of images
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